There are a number of things that I can dork out to. Philanthropy is high on that list… Right up there next to the US Constitution, network theory, and Facebook. . . . So, in the spirit of Facebook chain letters, here is a list of 25 Random Things that inspire me about philanthropy. What inspires you?

It’s ugly out there, and if you’re the pilot of your fundraising endeavors, you’re getting pretty sick of the turbulence. . . . Here are five keys to pulling yourself and your message together to survive 2009.

1. Give donors what they want: to feel good.
2. Give donors what they want: to hear from people they know.
3. Give donors what they want: tangibility.
4. Give donors what they want: flexibility.
5. Give donors what they want: personalization.

[S]ixth point . . . if these things aren’t working at all, that tells you something.